The goal of the Botika ng Bayan when it was first launched in 2005 was to provide a pharmacy where the community can purchase medicines that are most needed in the area.

This is made possible by franchising outlets to corporate foundations, non-governmental organizations, trade and labor unions, cooperatives, or religious groups.

It was revealed by DOH that there are 16,350 existing Botika ng Bayan outlets and its variants around the country. However, these ceased to function effectively in 2011 after the government issued a moratorium on the project because of financing and medicinal restocking issues.

The President also disclosed that he plans to devote Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) funds "exclusively" for the medicines.

Official logo of Pagcor (Photo: Inquirer)

"Itong Pagcor, lahat ng earnings ng Pagcor which is about P30 to P35 billion will be used exclusively para sa mga medicines ng lahat ng Filipino (All the earnings of Pagcor which are about P30 to P35 billion will be used exclusively for medicines for all Filipinos) ," he said.

"Punta lang sila sa city health (They can just go to the city health office). I hope it will be utilized properly," he added.